Free Born Into Trouble (Occupy Yourself Book 1) by MariaLisa deMora

places like the Fillet.” Her blunt words caused his gaze to scatter around the bar, ensuring the manager was nowhere close to their table. Thank Christ, he was far out of overhearing range, which meant future bookings were still on the list of possibilities for this place. “Benny, you play and sing beautifully, and when I say play, I don’t only mean the guitar. You have charisma and hold the crowd in the palm of your hand. I haven’t seen talent like yours in a while, and I’ve been around the block more than once.” Her hand slid across the table and then withdrew, leaving a card in its wake.
    He read the name on the card. “Katherine Cutright.” He looked up at her and then sighed, glancing back down at the card. Well, this explains a lot . “Talent acquisition for some record label I’ve never heard of. Engel Dari Records.” He flipped the card back to the center of the table, tipping his head to one side, watching her. “We aren’t interested in signing.” Her lips thinned; she’d expected him to at least be willing to discuss the idea. He decided to let her in on a not-so-secret secret. “We’ve been down this garden path before. Sweet words and promises of money and support turned into a chokehold on our music and a requirement to self-promote in a way none of Occupy Yourself was comfortable with. Thanks for the water.” With a stiffened finger, he toppled the empty bottle sideways, the clatter of glass hitting the tabletop drawing a few stares their direction. “But we’ll pass on the representation.”
    “That is, of course, your decision to make, Ben.” He noticed he’d been demoted from the friendlier Benny back to Ben. She leaned forwards, placing one elbow on the table, chin in her hand, creating a sense of intimacy with her actions. “I’d rather you hear me out before you reject things out of hand.” Palm to the table, she drew the card back with the tips of her fingers. “But, if you’d like me to leave, I’ll go.” Head dipping to the table, she began gathering her things. “Thank you for the pleasure of hearing you again.” Eyes angled his way under her brows. “And, for updating your website.” A pointed reminder her recommendation was a smart one. He’d heard more than one patron tonight telling Benita they’d found out about this show from the site.
    He leaned back in the booth, elbows hooked over the top of the bench. Head tipped up, he stared at the stained ceiling for a moment. There was a soft clink from the table, and he looked to see another bottle of water in front of him. Katherine still waited in the opposite seat. He sat and stared at her, carefully considering what she’d said so far—none of which he disagreed with—and where he wanted the band to be. It wasn’t to keep playing places like this or the Fillet; she was right. He wanted so much more, and it always seemed just out of reach. She didn’t seem discomfited by his attention, her gaze swinging back and forth between him and the crowd.
    He glanced around. Blake was holding court by the bar, surrounded by full-bodied girls looking young enough to make Ben hope their fake IDs were as good as his had been. Danny wasn’t anywhere to be seen, and Benita was seated behind the merchandise table, the sour look on her face promising harsh words later. Normally he’d go and sit with her, sign things, take selfies with fans, urge people to buy CDs, and talk about where they’d be playing next.
    Right now, he had other things to do. Things to figure out, leaving the bickering sure to come from Benita for later in the evening. There was a puzzle sitting across the table from him. People like Katherine had a currency they used, and he knew exactly what she wanted from him. Ben let his eyes roam what he could see of her, tits straining the thin tee, hair and makeup carefully calculated to be classy, but not over the top. While this was likely a business deal, still, he’d put money on the fact she was